What Having A Little Sister Is Really Like

Screams, slamming doors and tear filled Fridays are what vibrates through the upstairs of my house between my sister and I. My sister and I have a two year and ten day age difference, and for a majority of our lives were known as "the girls", a title that we could not fight nor control. My sister is as hard headed, stubborn and snotty as I am. And some of it is my fault, I understand. But I want to go through some of the predicaments you will find yourself in if you have a little sister. Prepare yourselves, people.

1. Stealing clothes

They will steal everything you own. Sometimes just because they know you want to wear it. Shoes? Gone. Favorite sweater? Nope. Then after they steal it, you won't see it for months and they'll pull the "I'm not sure where it is, but get out of my room." The best example I have of this is when my sister stole my brand new sweatshirt, left it in her gym locker without a lock, and it ended up getting stolen.

2. "Whatever you think"

I am as guilty as my sister about this one. A simple response of "whatever you think" can turn a disagreement into World War Three. This is when my sister starts throwing punches. It doesn't ever get as bad as when asking if they think you look bad and they respond with "whatever you think".

3. Simply being rude

I try my hardest to be friends, even just civil with my little sister. I mean, my last year in high school, I don't want us fighting right before I leave for college. It's probably the last year we'll ever live together. But she has an attitude I have never seen before. "Brat", "b****", ugly" all the time. I hold my tongue, except the one time she called me one of those names and I smashed the smoothie I bought her onto her carpet. Oops.

4. Constant comments of how I am not cool enough

I adored my older sister for all of the years she lived at home. Even to this day I think she is the coolest, sweetest person I know. But to my little sister I am the worst. I am boring and obnoxious. Given that I do really enjoy sitting in her room when she has friends over and just messing with them, I like to think I'm a pretty chill and nice person.

My sister and I are very different people, who most of the time drive each other insane. After all these situations, I still would fist fight anyone who dare hurts my sister. I adore her for her huge heart, her drive to help others and sensitivity (seriously, major cry baby). I can't wait for her to visit me at college and help me babysit our older sister's kids one day. If you have a little sister, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you don't have a little sister, I'm sorry for you. Because it's one of the most fun jobs I've ever had.

To My Brothers: You've Shaped My Life More Than You Know

I am who I am today because of you. My love for 2000 Nelly is no doubt, YOUR FAULT. I loved football before I learned how to break a nail, and I expect my bf to buy me Wendy's, drive me places, treat me gently, and always protect me.

I recognize strength when I see it and I'll forever believe in the phrase, "Nothing is ever as bad as it seems, but nothing is ever as good as it seems". Translation: You won't suffer so don't fear and if you missed out on something good, it's okay... there will be more chances and something better to come.

I know I have two best friends that this crazy world can't separate me from, no matter how many miles are in between us. And Dan, even in this divided country, you gave me the chance to see there are such good souls out there who will love our sacred nation in high times and low times. I appreciate our freedom because of those who sacrifice so much, like you.

You both have taught me why it's so important to be there and support someone. It meant the world to me, and it feels good to encourage others. You gave me the opportunity to be the loudest in the stands on Friday nights, so I continued to in high school.

(Sorry I didn't wait until I was married.)

Eric, your wife has become a sweet sister to me. Your love for her and how much you respect and love each other through the up's and down's has given me so many of my own expectations for my future spouse.

And even though more people in high school knew me as 'Coach Metcalf's sister' more than my own name, I couldn't be more proud. AND MOSTLY thank you for not dropping me off on the side of the road when I made you late to school when we were younger!! You've been my rock for so many years, I don't know what I'd do without you.

You've always kept me on the right path, and if I think "it will disappoint mom, dad, or you" I still won't do whatever it is my reckless heart wants to. I can't thank you enough for keeping me grounded or tying pillows around me with a rope so I wouldn't fall off of the couch... You've shaped me in so many ways for the better. <3 Love always, your baby girl.

10 Things You Understand If You Grew Up With Brothers

I'd take growing up with brothers over sisters any day. So, here are 10 things you understand if you, like me, grew up with brothers.

1. You can definitely take a hit

There were probably one or two occasions when you had to engage in a bit of fisticuffs with your brothers. No big deal, you learned how to fend for yourself early on.

2. You always had a sweatshirt to wear

Why steal a boyfriend's sweatshirt that you may just end up giving back when you could steal all your brother's t-shirts and sweatshirts?

3. They are the end-all, say-all on boys

If you bring a new boyfriend home and your brothers don't like him, you don't have a new boyfriend anymore. Their opinion on boys matters. After all, they just want what's best for you.

4. You were forced into sports at a young age.

It was probably just easier for your parents to drop you all off at the soccer field on a Saturday instead of having to take one kid to football, one to soccer and one to ballet.

5. Attitudes did not fly in your house

You absolutely were not going to get away with having a snotty attitude. Your brothers were going to shut that down real fast.

6. You were forced to watch sports

Oh, sorry, did you have a show to watch on a Sunday in the Fall? Not going to happen. Sundays were reserved for football and you better have had another television to watch your show on or you were going to be watching the Steelers game for a few hours.

7. You always had someone to defend you.

Your brothers definitely were always down to defend you, and still are.

8. You constantly had to worry about getting hurt

When the only thing to do on a summer day was play football with your brothers in the yard, you were going to have to accept that it came with a few minor cuts and bruises.

9. You always had fashion help

Believe it or not, some guys have an awesome sense of fashion. Some of the best compliments I've received on outfits were confirmed by one of my brothers before I left the house.

10. Now, you understand men a little better

Growing up with brothers definitely helped you grasp a better understanding on how a typical man thinks.